The West Midlands has been awarded more than £1 million of funding to help people right across the region keep warm and well this winter as energy bills continue to rise.

The grant has been awarded to Act on Energy who are working with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to provide expert advice to people struggling to heat their homes.

Funds will be used to offer free, energy advice over the phone, as well as face to face support at events, drop-in clinics, and house visits for the most vulnerable.

The programme, ‘Warmer Homes West Midlands’ will build on two years of success for the help line which has already supported more than 10,000 vulnerable households across the region, improving the health and wellbeing of people living in cold and damp homes.

The new funding will enable the service to ramp up its operations for households across the West Midlands which already has some of the highest rates of fuel poverty in the country.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said “Many residents are facing cost of living pressures given upcoming energy bills and we want to extend a helping hand during these tough times by offering practical support. This valued support line will assist thousands of people – offering advice on managing bills and keeping warm as winter draws near.

“The additional £1m in funding secured for the Warmer Homes West Midlands programme will mainly be put towards training frontline staff and expanding how many calls they can take. It’s also encouraging to hear that home visits and direct community outreach are also being considered.

“If you’re feeling under strain and want to seek advice, don’t be afraid to get in touch via the freephone number 0808 196 8298 or by visiting the Warmer Homes WM website.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands.

Community outreach staff can also offer help with budgeting, accessto grant funding and fuel supply and the installation of free energy saving measures such as draughtproofing, heat reflective radiator foils and energy efficient lightbulbs.

Rachel Jones, Act on Energy’s CEO, said: “This funding has come not a moment too soon.  We are in the grip of an energy crisis that will cause more people to fall into fuel poverty. 

“This programme will enable vulnerable households to live in warmer and more affordable homes.  Our outreach workers will work directly across local communities to address the impacts of fuel poverty which can affect every aspect of people’s lives. 

“Our person-centred approach means that whether it’s over the phone or face to face, our support and guidance can make a big difference to someone’s health and wellbeing.”

The helpline sets out to tackle people’s fuel related issues before they spiral by sharing expertise and knowledge about the ill effects of cold and damp homes with health professionals, as well as training local volunteers to become community energy champions.

The grant funding has been awarded by the Energy Savings Trust through Ofgem’s Energy Redress Scheme – a scheme paid for by energy companies who may have breached Ofgem administered rules.

Cllr Ian Courts, WMCA portfolio lead for energy and environment and leader of Solihull Council, said: “I welcome the latest funding which has been secured to continue delivering this vital programme.

“In addition to the work already being undertaken by councils in the region, the Warmer Homes programme is offering free and trusted advice to help those who may be worried about their increasing fuel bills this winter. That supports much needed at this difficult time.

“I’m sure many people will be able to benefit and save some money from this advice in time for the winter months ahead. The programme also means residents can learn more about how to heat their homes more efficiently and decrease their carbon footprint, therefore saving money and contributing to the goal of becoming a net zero region by 2041.”

For more information on Warmer Homes West Midlands, please visit their dedicated website.